Why wonʼt my Valorant uninstall?

Why Won’t My Valorant Uninstall?

Valorant, a popular tactical first-person shooter, can be a frustrating experience when it won’t uninstall from your system. As more and more players encounter this issue, it’s essential to understand the possible causes and solutions to resolve the problem. In this article, we’ll dive into the reasons why your Valorant uninstall might be failing and provide troubleshooting steps to help you overcome this challenge.

Why Won’t My Valorant Uninstall?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s identify the potential causes behind the Valorant uninstallation issues. Here are some possible reasons:

• Corrupted Files: The installation files might be corrupted or incomplete, which can prevent the uninstallation process from functioning correctly.
• Registry Errors: Values in the Windows registry related to Valorant might be corrupted, blocking the uninstallation process.
• In-Game Data: Leftover game data, such as saves and configurations, might be causing conflicts with the uninstallation process.
• Driver Issues: Outdated, corrupted, or missing drivers might affect the uninstallation process.
• Overwrite or Delete of necessary files: Valorant may overwrite or delete necessary files during the uninstallation process which can cause issues.

How to Force Uninstall Valorant

Before resorting to more advanced methods, try these simple steps to force uninstall Valorant:

1. Uninstall via Programs and Features: Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features (or Programs and Programs in older versions of Windows) and search for Valorant. Select it and click Uninstall.
2. Run the Uninstaller: If the above step fails, try running the uninstaller directly from the Valorant installation folder.
3. Use the Valorant Client: Launch the Valorant client and click on the Settings cog icon. Select Manage installation and then Uninstall.
4. Reinstall Valorant: If the above steps fail, you can try reinstalling Valorant by downloading the latest version from the Valorant website.

Advanced Uninstall Methods

If the above methods don’t work, you can try the following advanced methods:

1. Reboot in Safe Mode: Boot your PC in Safe Mode and try uninstalling Valorant again.
2. Delete Leftover Files: Use the following commands in the Command Prompt (running as administrator):

   • Taskkill /IM valorant.exe
   • del /q C:Program FilesValorant (or the path where Valorant was installed)
   • rmdir C:Program FilesValorant

3. Use a Third-Party Uninstaller: Download a reliable third-party uninstaller, such as IOBit Uninstaller or Ashampoo Uninstaller, to assist with the uninstallation process.
4. System Restore: Restore your PC to a previous point when Valorant was functioning correctly.

Troubleshooting Common Errors

When uninstalling Valorant, you might encounter the following error messages:

• Error 1336: This error occurs when the registry settings are corrupted. Try reinstalling Valorant or using a registry cleaning tool.
• Error 1332: This error occurs when the installation folder is corrupted. Try reinstalling Valorant or deleting the installation folder and installing again.
• Error 1718: This error occurs when the file is not found. Try reinstalling Valorant or checking if the file has been deleted or corrupted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why won’t Valorant uninstall from my PC?
A: Potential causes include corrupted files, registry errors, in-game data, driver issues, or overwrite or delete of necessary files.

Q: Can I uninstall Valorant without rebooting my PC?
A: Yes, some uninstallers allow you to uninstall programs without requiring a reboot.

Q: Can I still play Valorant if I reinstall it?
A: Yes, if you reinstall Valorant, you’ll lose your progress, but you can restore it from backups or cloud saves.

Q: Are there any risks associated with forcefully uninstalling Valorant?
A: Yes, there’s a risk of deleting crucial files or registry entries, which could result in system instability or even crashing.

Q: Can I reinstall Valorant if I accidentally uninstalled it?
A: Yes, download the latest version from the Valorant website and follow the installation instructions.

Q: Is it possible to uninstall Valorant from the Task Manager?
A: No, the Task Manager cannot uninstall programs. Use the uninstallation methods mentioned above.

Q: Why do I need to delete leftover files manually?
A: Deleting leftover files is necessary to ensure a complete uninstallation and prevent potential issues with subsequent installations.

Q: Can I uninstall Valorant from the Steam client?
A: No, Valorant is a Riot Games client, and uninstallation options are available within the client itself, not through Steam.

Conclusion

Valorant uninstallation issues can be frustrating, but by understanding the potential causes and taking the necessary steps, you can successfully uninstall the game and free up valuable space on your PC. Remember to use advanced methods with caution and only if other methods fail. If you’re still struggling, consider seeking assistance from a PC troubleshooting expert or Riot Games support. Happy gaming!